Andrew Davison: Lead Vocal, Yamaha and Seagull 6 String Guitars, John Rogerson 7 String Guitar and Dave Freshwater 10 String Bouzouki
Graeme Carroll: Rosta Capek A4 Exclusive Mandolin
Influences
Show of Hands, Jez Lowe, Tom Bliss/Tom Napper, Nancy Kerr/James Fagan, Chris Thile, Simon Mayor, James Taylor, Mark Knopfler, Fairport Convention, Kieran Halpin, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, John Denver, Classic Rock (yes really...) and of course beer...
Sounds Like
Shades of Show of Hands, Jez Lowe and Tom Bliss, but with an altogether unique sound unlike anything else on the circuit.
Brother Crow are an acoustic duo from Weardale, in the heart of rural North East England, who perform original narrative songs about the people, places and historical events of their local area and beyond.
Andrew Davison, who plays guitar and ten-string bouzouki, is the duo’s lyricist and main songwriter. He combines powerful rhythm and delicate finger-style to dramatic effect and uses his evocative lyrics and strong sense of narrative to paint imaginative pictures for the audience.
Graeme Carroll is an accomplished mandolin player and accompanist. His playing has a complexity which combines affection for traditional tunes/playing with a modern melodic style.
Brother Crow’s live performances have been described as intense, captivating, haunting and passionate. The dark nature of some of their songs being counter-balanced by a strong stage presence, a natural sense of humour and fun and a deep knowledge of their subject matter.
Recently, the duo won the Klondike Folk Arts Competition at Ryedale Folk Weekend for their song "As Children We Would Run" and the Tommy Armstrong Best Song Trophy at Durham Traditional Music Festival for “Once Their Were So Few”.
Their critically acclaimed debut CD "One For Sorrow" was released in June 2007 and their new CD, to be called "Hollow Hills", was released on the 15th September 2008.
QUOTES
“A formidable acoustic duo .Their song-writing demonstrates a canny knack for creating material that is at once timeless, soaking up traditional influences and telling a great story. The strength of their material suggests they have written songs that may well be with us for a long time to come”
- Mike Wilson, Folking.Com, August 2007.
"Original music replete with the charm of the duo’s native Weardale. Thumbs Up."
- fRoots Magazine, December 2007.
"These songs are certainly memorable, many of them peculiarly haunting, and their lyrics suitably evocative."
- Folk Roundabout, November 2007.
"This CD with it's 11 tracks is an absolute gem."
- Weardale Gazette, December 2007.
"An exceptional debut. Brother Crow offer their audience profound, penetrating, intense songs delivered with feeling and passion...a talent many will envy."
- FolkWords, February 2008.
"We think Brother Crow are the next Show of Hands (yes, they really are that good!), so go and see them if they're in your area or book them for your club"
- Audience Member, Ryedale Folk Weekend 2008 (via the Mudcat Forums), May 2008
“Enchanting”
- Sue Marchant, BBC Radio Cambridge, June 2008
"Absolutely superb. Their songs are hauntingly beautiful and lean heavily on the narrative, turning each into a captivating story full of meaning."
- NorthEastLive.Net, July 2008
PURCHASE CDs
You can purchase the Brother Crow CDs "One For Sorrow" and "Hollow Hills" (£10 each + £1.20 postage) using the following link:
Brother Crow have been played on the It's A Frog's Life Acoustic Podcast Show 85 - Stone the crows - which has four songs linked in one way or another with crows. It's not quite a themed show because the rest of the songs have nothing at all to do with crows! The one thing all the songs have in common is that they are great acoustic tracks from UK artists. 'Nuff said...
Follow the link above to this specific show or the link below to the general shownotes page. The show is free to listen to, and you can get it either by using the online player or by downloading the mp3 file. And why not subscribe and get each new episode automatically?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Hiya did some strange people in a white car beep and wave at you on saturday afternoon? Well, if they did, that was us...but if they didn't then.....well...it definately wasn't us LOL :D Yvie John and Haylie
I'll treasure the Manor House rendition of 'Child of our time'... lovely to meet you guys! hope it's the first of many! go well, with mirth and music x
That was a damned fine wee gig st Swaledale - at last I got to hear you live. Well worth the wait and a superb CD as well. I'll be in touch when I need help with my new toy (if I ever manage to get hold of the stuff).
Hi Graeme and Andy. Was nice to meet you too after hearing so much about you from John. I think your music is brilliant and look forward to seeing you again. Have a lovely bank holiday weekend. Yvie
Just to let you know, there's a new song on me profile. As always, any comments, thoughts, philosophies on life, the universe and everything are more than welcome.
Online Now!
